What minimum score do you need to pass the Kentucky written test?

80 percent. Applicants must score at least 80 percent on the written knowledge test.

What is the minimum age for an instruction permit in Kentucky?

15. You can apply for a permit at 15; under 18 a parent or legal guardian must sign.

With a Kentucky permit or intermediate license and under 18, when may you not drive without good cause?

From midnight to 6 am. Drivers under 18 with a permit or intermediate license may not drive from midnight to 6 a.m. without good cause, such as school, work or an emergency.

You are 17 with a Kentucky intermediate license. What does the phone law say?

None, except for emergencies. Drivers under 18 may not use a personal communication device while driving, except to summon help in an emergency.

In Kentucky, you are going the opposite direction of a stopped school bus. When do you not have to stop?

Four lanes with an unpaved median. Only opposite-direction traffic on a highway of four or more lanes divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median may proceed.

What minimum following distance does the Kentucky manual recommend?

4 seconds. Kentucky recommends a minimum following distance of 4 seconds, more in poor conditions.

In Kentucky, a disabled car with flashers is on the shoulder of a four-lane highway. What do you do?

Move over a lane if safe. Since July 2024 the move over law covers disabled vehicles showing warning signals: change lanes if safe, or slow down.

In Kentucky, if you fail the road test, how long must you wait to try again?

One week. You must wait at least one week after failing the road skills test before retesting.

In Kentucky, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

100 feet. Signal 100 feet before turning, about six or seven car lengths.

State guides · Kentucky

Kentucky DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in Kentucky, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

Agency	Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing regional offices; written and road tests given by the Kentucky State Police (KSP)
Official handbook	Kentucky Driver Manual ↗
Questions	Not published
To pass	80% correct
Test in Spanish?	Yes

Written knowledge test on rules, procedures and highway signs; you need at least 80% to pass. The official manual and KSP pages do not publish the number of questions. You apply at a KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office, then KSP gives the vision and written tests by appointment at any regional testing site; no online test. If you fail the road test you must wait at least one week.

Kentucky rules you need to know

Alcohol, 21 and over: In Kentucky the legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% BAC. Official source ↗
Alcohol, under 21: Under 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Official source ↗
Following distance: Keep at least 4 seconds of following distance, more in bad weather or at night. Official source ↗
High beams: Dim your high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following. Official source ↗
Turn signal: Signal 100 feet before turning, about six or seven car lengths. Official source ↗
School bus: Only opposite-direction traffic on a four-lane road with a raised barrier or unpaved median need not stop for a school bus. Official source ↗
Right on red: Right on red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it. Official source ↗
Left on red: Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Official source ↗
Cell phone: No driver may text while driving; drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all. Official source ↗
Move Over law: For stopped emergency or disabled vehicles with flashing lights, move over a lane or slow down. Official source ↗
Permit age: You can get an instruction permit at age 15. Official source ↗

Kentucky test FAQ

How many questions are on the Kentucky written test?

Kentucky doesn't publish the number of questions; you need 80% correct to pass.

Can I take the Kentucky driver's test in Spanish?

Yes. Kentucky offers the written test in Spanish.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Kentucky?

You can get an instruction permit at age 15.

What documents do I need for a permit in Kentucky?

It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing regional offices; written and road tests given by the Kentucky State Police (KSP) before you go.

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

9 Kentucky practice questions

1. What minimum score do you need to pass the Kentucky written test?
1. 75 percent
2. 70 percent
3. 90 percent
4. 80 percent
Show answer
Answer: 80 percent
Applicants must score at least 80 percent on the written knowledge test.
Official source ↗
2. What is the minimum age for an instruction permit in Kentucky?
1. 16
2. 15
3. 14
4. 15 and a half
Show answer
Answer: 15
You can apply for a permit at 15; under 18 a parent or legal guardian must sign.
Official source ↗
3. With a Kentucky permit or intermediate license and under 18, when may you not drive without good cause?
1. From 9 pm to 5 am
2. From 1 am until 5 am
3. From midnight to 6 am
4. From 11 pm until 6 am
Show answer
Answer: From midnight to 6 am
Drivers under 18 with a permit or intermediate license may not drive from midnight to 6 a.m. without good cause, such as school, work or an emergency.
Official source ↗
4. You are 17 with a Kentucky intermediate license. What does the phone law say?
1. None, except for emergencies
2. Hands-free calls are allowed
3. Only texting is banned
4. You may use it at red lights
Show answer
Answer: None, except for emergencies
Drivers under 18 may not use a personal communication device while driving, except to summon help in an emergency.
Official source ↗
5. In Kentucky, you are going the opposite direction of a stopped school bus. When do you not have to stop?
1. Four lanes with an unpaved median
2. If there is a painted center lane
3. On any road with only two lanes
4. If you see no children
Show answer
Answer: Four lanes with an unpaved median
Only opposite-direction traffic on a highway of four or more lanes divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median may proceed.
Official source ↗
6. What minimum following distance does the Kentucky manual recommend?
1. 3 seconds
2. 2 seconds
3. 4 seconds
4. 1 second
Show answer
Answer: 4 seconds
Kentucky recommends a minimum following distance of 4 seconds, more in poor conditions.
Official source ↗
7. In Kentucky, a disabled car with flashers is on the shoulder of a four-lane highway. What do you do?
1. Nothing, it only covers police
2. Stop behind it
3. Move over a lane if safe
4. Honk as you pass
Show answer
Answer: Move over a lane if safe
Since July 2024 the move over law covers disabled vehicles showing warning signals: change lanes if safe, or slow down.
Official source ↗
8. In Kentucky, if you fail the road test, how long must you wait to try again?
1. One day
2. One week
3. Six months
4. One month
Show answer
Answer: One week
You must wait at least one week after failing the road skills test before retesting.
Official source ↗
9. In Kentucky, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?
1. 100 feet
2. 500 feet
3. 50 feet
4. 200 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal 100 feet before turning, about six or seven car lengths.
Official source ↗

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Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.